The ballroom was silent, with 650 pairs of eyes riveted on Jake Wood. The former Marine sniper shared his experience of protecting fellow Marines in a war zone. He also addressed the unique challenges military veterans face when they return home, including the potential psychological consequences of experiencing the traumas of war.
Wood, co-founder and chief executive of veterans group Team Rubicon, was the keynote speaker at the third annual Orange County Real Estate Luncheon, an event that in its brief history has raised more than $1.1 million to support the critical needs of local veterans.
The April 19 luncheon at Hotel Irvine drew 650 of Orange County’s top real estate agents and business leaders and was sponsored by real estate and financial firms, including CBRE, Donahue Schriber, Craig Realty Group, KBS Realty Group and Bank of America.
The event, held in partnership with the Orange County Community Foundation, raised $750,000 to provide grants to Orange County support programs that serve transitioning veterans and their families. In previous years, those included Lestonnac Free Clinic, Semper Fi Fund, Goodwill Tierney Center for Veterans Services and Strength in Support.
Grantees are selected based on their ability to effectively provide services for veterans and their families, including improving assessment and referral services; holistic transition support programs; and education and employment support programs.
“The Orange County Real Estate Luncheon stands as a testament to what can happen when industry leaders come together for the good of the county,” said Orange County Community Foundation President Shelley Hoss. “Because of their continued commitment, the Orange County Veterans Initiative will be able to extend and expand its ability to create positive futures for our hometown heroes and their families.”
Recent luxury home sales include:
Coastal Castle
The custom ocean-view estate at 12 Coral Ridge in Newport Coast sold on March 19 for $21 million. It was listed in February for $23 million.
Perched atop the highest point in the guard-gated Crystal Cove community, the newly completed 11,400-square-foot mansion was built over two years. Orange County-based stone-and-brick masonry expert Brad Gilbert hand-selected many of the stones used throughout. Finishes include French limestone, French oak floors, Italian marble and onyx, solid 2 ¼-inch alder wood doors, and windows and doors of Peruvian mahogany.
The home has six bedroom and eight baths, as well as an elevator, theater, Crestron home automation system and wine cellar.
The half-acre lot includes a swimming pool, spa and outdoor kitchen and offers 180-degree ocean views.
Dean Lueck of First Team Estates and David Bezeau of HomeBay Broker CA Inc. represented the seller, and Jeff Ewing of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage represented the buyer.
Simply Spectacular
The home at 4501 Camden Drive in Corona del Mar sold on April 17, fetching $18 million. The property’s most recent list price was $20 million in January.
The newly built estate is 10,168 square feet and situated on a .40-acre parcel in Cameo Shores that boasts the ocean as its backdrop.
Designed, planned and built by Spinnaker Development, the six-bedroom, seven-bath home blends traditional architectural elements with an open floor plan that maximizes the water views while enhancing indoor-outdoor living.
One of its most unique features is a mosaic glass-tiled Infinity pool with a glass bottom that’s cantilevered over the living space below.
The kitchen features Wolf, Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances and Lumix countertops. The master suite has custom-made furnishings, including a pop-up television cabinet, automated window treatments, and an all-slab steam shower.
The lower level has a movie theater with a 137-inch screen, a great room with a six-panel, 4K media wall, an oversized bar, and a walk-in wine cellar and private grotto.
Ron Millar and Mesha Swart of Arbor Real Estate represented the seller, and Millar also represented the buyer.
